Al-Madrasa is a center for for the study of Muslim Culture and Andalusian history founded 17 years ago by Professor Abdus Samad Antonio Romero, a Sufi Muslim convert, and his wife. In addition to being a center for Islamic study, Al-Madrasa hosts a summer program for children from 8-16 years old. In this program, children study Arabic, learn to make Andulusian ceramics, go swimming, and participate in many other activities that you would find in any summer camp. The difference, however, with Al-Madrasa is that, while its facilities include a mosque and the call to prayer is heard 5 times a day, it also encourages children from other faith traditions to participate. The purpose of Al-Madrasa is to engender positive dialogue between different traditions.

Initiatives like Al-Madrasa are a dire necessity. To have people meet, eat together, and share positive activities creates a more open atmosphere to examine differences and to find points of commonality. Moreover, a place like Al-Madrasa, will do much to demonstrate that Muslims in Western nations are invested in their countries and like their fellow citizens want to live together peacefully.

Have you heard of Al-Madrasa? Do you think initiatives like this can work to create tolerance? Does something like Al-Madrasa exist in the United States? Can it help to ease tensions? Please share your comments below.